The Civil War Letters
Camp Harlan
September 19 to October 9, 1861
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The Civil War LettersCamp HarlanSeptember 19 to October 9, 1861 |
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The Regiment probably moved to Camp Harlan, on Seventh Street in Washington D.C., sometime in early September, 1861. William wrote three letters, possibly more, from this location during that time. The Regiment marched from there to Camp Palmer near Arlington, VA on March 16th.
September 19th,
1861
He had left Philadelphia
on the train to Baltimore for Camp Harlan. He had hot (too hot) coffee and dry
bread for breakfast. No tents so he laid on the ground. It rained and he got
all wet. Tents arrived and there are five regiments of Cavalry around. He sees
a sea of tents - can leave the area on "no account".
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September 29th,
1861
Weather cold with
heavy fog. He went 4 miles over to see Brother John and Cousin William. They
have their horses but no saddles which makes him sore "you know where".
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October 9th,
1861
He is cold, has
no shoes to wear, pants are ragged, looks more like a beggar than a soldier
- a "Regiment of Rags". Good view of Washington - will go Richmond
when equipped to the Rebel a whipping. Will finish war this winter & be
home. Speaks of love. She is uppermost in his thoughts - her letters cheer him
up. Received the newspaper from home - "a rarity around here".
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